Billboard goes left, right and centre

The hoardings are disappearing so NZ First sells Winston Peters ties. Picture / Alan Gibson

Those striking "A man for a change" Winston Peters' billboards are on the way out.

"We're taking down the 'banana' signs and replacing them with more conventional ones for the last two weeks of the campaign," a member of the New Zealand First support team, Bob Shaw, said yesterday.

He was referring to the hoardings which depicted an immaculately attired Mr Peters photographed on a beach in curved repose, with arms folded, one heel delicately lifted above an oncoming - or outgoing - wave, glancing down over his shoulder.

Speculation about the arty pose has included reference to standing in dog poo or wondering "does my bum look big in this".

Mr Shaw said the pin-up placards had to go.

"People keep putting skirts on them."

More than one of the hoardings in the Tauranga MP's own electorate have been emblazoned with a pink tutu hanging from his suit-clad hips - more creative than a moustache, Peters' aides agree.

On another, the figure had been carved out of its timber frame and replaced by a scribbled note advising "back in five mins".

Some in the Winston camp suspect women fans want to take him home.

There have been no reports of billboard images of Helen Clark or Don Brash being hacked from their wooden structures.

The man himself is not in the least bit coy.

"Too many of them [the hoardings] have been stolen," said Mr Peters, matter-of-factly.

"We can't afford to lose any more. It has cost us a fortune."

Much money and work had gone into erecting the boards all over the country and the party could not spend "tens of thousands of dollars" to keep replacing them.

However, the Peters-by-the-seashore picture has been replicated on silk ties, one of which could be yours for $40.

They are a fundraising gimmick by New Zealand First's Pakuranga electorate.

Mt Maunganui branch chairman Charles Carson was sporting one yesterday.